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🚨 SCAM ALERT: Fake Tender from “Saphokazi.Mpetsheni@dcs.gov.za” – Biometric Access System Fraud
A tender scam is currently circulating under the guise of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), requesting quotes for the KC55X R12 Biometric Access System. The email comes from Saphokazi.Mpetsheni@dcs.gov.za, a domain crafted to appear official but is NOT registered to the actual South African government.
⚠️ What the Fake Email Looks Like
Subject: Supply and delivery of KC55X R12 BIOMETRIC ACCESS SYSTEM
From: Saphokazi.Mpetsheni@dcs.gov.zaDEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICE (DCS) hereby invites all interested service providers...
“Some of the products we request may fall out of your scope… you may outsource…”
Contact Person: Ayanda Mabaso
Tel: (012) 516 0197
🚩 Why This Is a SCAM
| Email domain: @dcs.gov.za (cloned or spoofed) | DCS emails are easily spoofed – check headers and verify via phone with official contacts. |
| Encourages outsourcing items you don't sell | Government departments NEVER ask you to act as a middleman. |
| Product often requested: KC55X R12 Biometric Access System | This item is common in several known scams. |
| Phone numbers not verifiable on www.dcs.gov.za | Fake contact numbers used to maintain the illusion. |
| No RFQ reference, no publication on eTenders | Legitimate tenders are listed on https://www.etenders.gov.za. |
🛑 How the Scam Typically Works
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You receive an urgent RFQ with fake DCS branding.
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You’re told to outsource the product (like biometric systems or blankets).
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You’re given a fake supplier to procure from — often an accomplice scammer.
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Once you pay the fake supplier, the scammer disappears.
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You lose money, and no government payment ever arrives.
✅ How to Stay Safe
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Always verify tenders on:
🔗 https://www.etenders.gov.za
🔗 https://www.dcs.gov.za -
Contact DCS directly using published contact details — not those in the suspicious email.
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Check the domain and headers of the email — many scammers clone or spoof .gov.za addresses.
📣 Report Fraudulent Activity
If you’ve been targeted:
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📧 Email: fraud@dcs.gov.za
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☎️ DCS Head Office: 012 307 2000
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📧 National Treasury Fraud Hotline: fraud@treasury.gov.za
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🛡 SAPS Commercial Crime Unit
🛑 REMEMBER: If a tender encourages you to buy from a “recommended” supplier or requests products outside your industry — it’s almost certainly a scam.
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